Russian scientists still can't contact the lost Martian probe Phobos-Grunt, state media are reporting - and there's a danger it could fall to Earth with a massively toxic explosion.
The probe was launched on Wednesday, but failed to take the right course following the failure of the craft's two engines to fire as planned. It's now drifting in Earth orbit.
If control isn't regained, the spacecraft will remain in the orbit for up to four weeks. After that, though, things could get alarming.
The spaceship would probably fall to Earth sometime towards the end of this month or early in December - and with much of its fuel intact. While the odds are that the fuel would explode some 50 miles above ground, there's always the possibility that it might freeze, survive reentry and cause damage.
It contains about seven tons of nitrogen teroxide and hydrazine, which, according to space expert James Oberg 'will make it the most toxic falling satellite EVER'.
There's little detailed information from Russia
The probe was launched on Wednesday, but failed to take the right course following the failure of the craft's two engines to fire as planned. It's now drifting in Earth orbit.
If control isn't regained, the spacecraft will remain in the orbit for up to four weeks. After that, though, things could get alarming.
The spaceship would probably fall to Earth sometime towards the end of this month or early in December - and with much of its fuel intact. While the odds are that the fuel would explode some 50 miles above ground, there's always the possibility that it might freeze, survive reentry and cause damage.
It contains about seven tons of nitrogen teroxide and hydrazine, which, according to space expert James Oberg 'will make it the most toxic falling satellite EVER'.
There's little detailed information from Russia